The vote for the PPEL and G.O. Bond for Clarke Community Schools officially passed Monday.
The PPEL fund vote had to pass by simple majority, which it did. The G.O. Bond had to pass with a 60 percent majority, needing 412 yes votes. It received 417 yes votes and passed as well.
With the PPEL fund, the school district can continue to purchase two new buses each year, pay for AC and heating units, lease student technology and more for the next 10 years.
“It’s a critical thing that the schools really depend on, not just Clarke but schools in the state of Iowa,” said Superintendent Steve Seid.
The G.O. Bond will fund the high school remodel, with sixth grade moving to the junior high, ADA compliant facilities, increase instructional space, provide separate High School and Middle School entrances and add a new bus barn.
“What it means for the community, I think, is that we’ll be more attractive, making people want to have their student come to school here. I think it will give us more of an opportunity to recruit and retain quality staff members, I think it’ll just have a real economic boost for the entire community,” said Seid. “My vision has always been to have Clarke be the model school district.
“I want to be sure to thank the school board and steering committee for all their hard work and a big thanks for the support we recieved from the community members. We just think it’s the right thing for the kids here. They deserve it,” said Seid.